Studying in Canada

The number of international students in Canada is over 450,000, a figure that is constantly growing.

To be eligible to apply for a Canadian study permit, a prospective student must:

• Obtain a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution to apply for a study permit.

• Have a clean record. Applicants with a criminal background, or who pose a risk to Canadian security, may be refused. IRCC may request an applicant to supply a Police Clearance Certificate.

• Be in good health. IRCC may request an applicant to complete a medical examination.

• Prove sufficient financial support to cover the first year of tuition, as well as living expenses and return transportation to home country.

• Satisfy the immigration officer that he or she will leave Canada at the end of the stay authorized by the study permit.

The applicant may also be required to submit the following documents:

• Passport for the applicant and every family member included on the application.

• Two passport photos for the applicant and each family member included on the application, with the full name and date of birth written on the back.

• Photocopy of marriage certificate, if applicable.

• Any further documents required by specific visa offices.

Next Steps After Applying

If and when your Canadian student visa application is approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, while students from countries that require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and/or a temporary residence visa will be issued these if required. The eTA will be linked to your passport and will be valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Present these along with your passport, proof of your finances and your letter of acceptance (and any other documents that you’ve been advised to take) to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in Canada, who will then issue your Canadian study permit and allow you access into Canada.

Working While Studying in Canada

If you’d like to get a part-time job to help support yourself while studying in Canada, you can qualify to work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours during university semesters and full-time during breaks such as the winter or summer holidays, without the need for a work permit. You will also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs.

Study Permit Renewal Process

After obtaining a study permit, students may need to renew or change the study permit during the course of their studies in Canada. After graduation, many students choose to stay in Canada to live and work. 

Study permits expire 90 days after graduation, regardless of the date printed on the study permit itself. International graduates must update their status with IRCC within 90 days of graduation, or they risk losing status in Canada.